U.S. patent number 8,915,238 [Application Number 13/301,730] was granted by the patent office on 2014-12-23 for portable collapsible cooking grill.
The grantee listed for this patent is Eric Goeken. Invention is credited to Eric Goeken.
United States Patent |
8,915,238 |
Goeken |
December 23, 2014 |
Portable collapsible cooking grill
Abstract
A portable grill includes: a cooking grate; a collapsible body
surrounding the sides and bottom of the cooking grate and
collapsible mesh basket when the grill is configured for cooking; a
collapsible frame supporting the position of the body, cooking
grate, and the mesh basket when the grill is configured for
cooking; and a removable collapsible lid adapted to cooperate with
the body to completely surround the cooking grate and mesh basket
when the grill is configured for cooking, wherein the collapsible
body and collapsible lid are formed primarily from a flexible high
temperature resistant material.
Inventors: |
Goeken; Eric (Chicago, IL) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Goeken; Eric |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family
ID: |
46063145 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/301,730 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2011 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20120125323 A1 |
May 24, 2012 |
|
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
61415777 |
Nov 19, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
61511049 |
Jul 23, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/9R;
126/25R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J
37/0713 (20130101); A47J 37/0704 (20130101); A47J
2037/0777 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F24C
1/16 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;126/9R,25R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Rinehart; Kenneth
Assistant Examiner: Prabhu; Gajanan M
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Richards Patent Law P.C.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application incorporates by reference and claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/415,777 filed Nov. 19,
2010 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/511,049 filed
Jul. 23, 2011.
Claims
I claim:
1. A portable grill comprising: a cooking grate; a collapsible mesh
basket; a collapsible body surrounding the sides and bottom of the
cooking grate and collapsible mesh basket when the grill is
configured for cooking, wherein the collapsible body includes a
first perimeter; a collapsible frame supporting the position of the
body, cooking grate, and the mesh basket when the grill is
configured for cooking, wherein the collapsible frame has a first
height when configured for cooking and a second height when
configured for storage; and a removable collapsible lid adapted to
cooperate with the body to completely surround the cooking grate
and mesh basket when the grill is configured for cooking, wherein
the collapsible lid includes a second perimeter, wherein the second
perimeter directly contacts the first perimeter of the collapsible
body to form a seal when the grill is configured for cooking,
wherein the second perimeter includes front and back edges
including closure mechanisms adapted to secure the front edge to
the back edge to surround the collapsed mesh basket, collapsed
frame, and collapsed body for storage within the lid when the grill
is configured for storing, wherein the collapsible lid has a length
parallel to the front edge and back edge, wherein the length is
longer than second height of the collapsible frame, and wherein the
collapsible body and collapsible lid are formed primarily from a
flexible high temperature resistant material.
2. The portable grill of claim 1 wherein the flexible high
temperature resistant material is a silicone coated fabric.
3. The portable grill of claim 1 wherein the flexible high
temperature resistant material is silicone.
4. The portable grill of claim 1 wherein the lid and body collapse
by flattening.
5. The portable grill of claim 1 wherein the lid includes a lid
frame.
6. The portable grill of claim 5 wherein the lid frame is
spring-loaded.
7. The portable grill of claim 6 wherein the lid frame is made from
a metal.
8. The portable grill of claim 1 further comprising a collapsible
mesh basket adapted to hang beneath the cooking grate when the
grill is configured for cooking.
9. The portable grill of claim 1 wherein the cooking grate is
foldable.
10. A portable grill comprising: a cooking grate; a collapsible
mesh basket; a collapsible body surrounding the sides and bottom of
the cooking grate and collapsible mesh basket when the grill is
configured for cooking; a collapsible frame supporting the position
of the body, cooking grate, and the mesh basket when the grill is
configured for cooking, wherein the collapsible frame has a first
height when configured for cooking and a second height when
configured for storage; and a removable collapsible lid adapted to
cooperate with the body to completely surround the cooking grate
and mesh basket when the grill is configured for cooking, wherein
the collapsible lid includes closure mechanisms adapted to secure a
front edge to a back edge to surround the collapsed mesh basket,
collapsed frame, and collapsed body for storage within the lid when
the grill is configured for storing, wherein the collapsible lid
has a length parallel to the front edge and back edge, wherein the
length is longer than second height of the collapsible frame, and
wherein the collapsible body and collapsible lid are formed
primarily from a flexible high temperature resistant material.
11. The portable grill of claim 10 further wherein the collapsible
body includes a first perimeter edge; and wherein the collapsible
lid includes a second perimeter, wherein the second perimeter
touches the first perimeter of the collapsible body to
substantially form a seal when the grill is configured for cooking,
wherein the second perimeter includes the front and back edges.
12. The portable grill of claim 11 further wherein the collapsible
body substantially has a half-cylindrical shape when the grill is
configured for cooking, and wherein the collapsible lid has a
half-cylindrical shape when the grill is configured for cooking.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable cooking grill. More
specifically, the present invention relates to a high-temperature,
heat and flame resistant, collapsible, portable, cooking grill.
Grilling is one of the more popular ways to prepare food. The term
grilling typically refers to cooking food, which is supported on a
metal grill, via the direct or indirect application of dry heat.
The fuel for the heat source is most commonly gas or charcoal.
Traditional grills include: a bowl for holding the fuel source; a
grill grate for suspending the food above the activated fuel
source, a lid which cooperates with the bowl to enclose the
activated heat source and the food, a vent for allowing the
inflow/outflow of air into the enclosed bowl. Charcoal grills may
also include an ash catcher at the bottom of the bowl for
collecting the ash created by the burning charcoal.
Grilling is usually done outdoors and grills are very commonly
stored outdoors as well. Due to the structural and environmental
demands placed on grills (e.g., supporting the fuel source,
supporting the food, resisting flames and heat, etc.), grills are
typically formed from porcelain-enameled or other ceramic materials
or aluminum, steel or other metallic materials. As a result, grills
are often large, bulky, heavy, cumbersome and difficult to
transport.
Because grilling is often considered an outdoor activity, it is
commonly associated with beaches, picnics, camping, tailgating,
etc. While portable grills are available, they often sacrifice size
for portability. Moreover, even at a reduced size, portable grills
are often cumbersome and difficult to bring along on outdoor
activities.
Accordingly, a need exists for a portable cooking grill that
addresses the limitations of existing grills.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention meets the needs expressed above by providing
a high-temperature, heat and flame-resistant, collapsible,
portable, fabric cooking grill. The fabric used is a
high-temperature fabric, such as, for example, silicate fiber or
fiberglass woven fabric with high temperature silicone coating. In
some examples, the fabric may incorporate a reflective inner
coating, such as, for example, an aluminum coating. In another
example, the needs expressed above are met by substituting or
supplementing the heat and flame-resistant fabric, with a high
temperature, FDA approved silicone material.
An illustrative example of the grill includes a high-temperature
fabric lid. The lid is structurally rigid in use, but may be rolled
up for convenient storage and transportation when not in use. The
lid includes a handle and a series of ventilation holes. The
structural rigidity in the lid may be provided, for example, by
thin sheet metal elements reinforcing the fabric. In addition, the
vents may be reinforced by metal grommets or similar reinforcing
material.
The grill further includes a metallic grill grate for supporting
the food. The grill grate may be, for example, a folding grate or a
grate that may roll up to be more easily stored and/or transported.
Below the grill grate is a suspended charcoal basket. In some
examples, the charcoal basket may be formed from a metal mesh or
netting, which enables the basket to support the charcoal, allow
the ash to fall through the basket, reduce the weight of the basket
and allow the basket to be rolled or folded for storage and/or
transportation.
The body of the grill is provided to coordinate with the lid to
encapsulate the grill grate and charcoal basket. The body may be
formed from the same material as the lid, or another
high-temperature fabric. The body may include additional vent
holes. The body itself may function as an ash catcher, particularly
when the body is lined, coated or formed from a non-stick or other
easy to clean material.
The structure of the grill is provided, at least in part, by a
collapsible frame structure made from heat resistant structural
material, such as, for example, metal, fiberglass, carbon fiber,
etc. The frame may be hinged or jointed and provide attachment
mechanisms for securing the frame to the body, supporting the
basket and grate and providing a base upon which the lid may
rest.
The combination of elements described herein provide a grill that
cools quickly after use such that a user may disassemble and store
the disassembled grill in a compact form shortly after grilling is
completed.
In certain embodiments, the other elements of the grill may be
stored and/or transported within the lid, which collapses to
surround the remaining elements, clasps shut (with a clasp, tie,
buckle or other closure mechanism), and provides a handle for
carrying the portable grill.
In other embodiments, the grill is adapted for use with a portable
propane fuel supply. For example, a flexible high temperature
silicone tube with metal nipples may be provided for attachment to
the fuel source. The metal nipples expel the gas to be ignited and
are used to protect the high temperature tube and protective sleeve
from direct contact with the flame. In addition, a high temperature
silicate fiber or fiberglass or woven metal wire sleeve may be used
to provide additional protection to the flexible silicone tubing.
The flexible tube and protective sleeve may be designed to be able
to withstand repeated exposure to high temperature
environments.
A portable grill includes: a cooking grate; a collapsible body
surrounding the sides and bottom of the cooking grate and
collapsible mesh basket when the grill is configured for cooking; a
collapsible frame supporting the position of the body, cooking
grate, and the mesh basket when the grill is configured for
cooking; and a removable collapsible lid adapted to cooperate with
the body to completely surround the cooking grate and mesh basket
when the grill is configured for cooking, wherein the collapsible
body and collapsible lid are formed primarily from a flexible high
temperature resistant material. In some embodiments, the flexible
high temperature resistant material may be silicone or a silicone
coated fabric.
The portable grill may further include a collapsible mesh basket
adapted to hang beneath the cooking grate when the grill is
configured for cooking. The lid may include a lid frame. The lid
frame may be spring loaded to spring back into form after being
collapsed. The lid frame may be formed from metal or other suitable
structural materials. The cooking grate may also be foldable.
The body can be adapted to surround the collapsed mesh basket,
collapsed frame, and collapsed lid for storage within the body.
Alternatively, the lid can be adapted to surround the collapsed
mesh basket, collapsed frame, and collapsed body for storage within
the lid. In another version, the body and lid can be adapted to
surround the collapsed mesh basket, and collapsed frame for storage
within the body and lid combination. In some embodiments, the lid
and body may collapse by flattening; similar to an accordion.
It is therefore an advantage of the portable grill in providing a
lightweight grill that is easy to store and transport.
Further, it is an advantage of the portable grill in providing a
grill that cools quickly after use, such that it may be collapsed
for storage or transportation.
Still further, it is an advantage of the portable grill in
providing a lightweight and easily transported grill.
In addition, it is an advantage of the grill lid provides a
carrying case for the remaining elements of the grill.
It is a further advantage of the portable grill to be adaptable for
use with a portable propane fuel source, for example, by providing
a flexible, heat resistant tube for creating numerous flame sources
from a single fuel source.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples
will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in
part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
examination of the following description and the accompanying
drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the
examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be
realized and attained by means of the methodologies,
instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord
with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of
limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the
same or similar elements.
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a portable grill
according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable grill shown in FIG. 1
in assembled form.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lid of the portable grill shown
in FIG. 1 configured to store the remaining elements of the
portable grill for transportation.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a flexible heat resistant fuel
tube.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another portable grill in assembled
and collapsed views.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the portable grill from FIG. 5
in assembled and collapsed views.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a portable collapsible cooking
grill 10. As shown in FIG. 1, various elements may be assembled
together to form the functional portable collapsible cooking grill
10. Examples of the various elements are described below with
reference to the Figs.
As shown in FIG. 1, the grill 10 includes a top lid 12. The top lid
12 shown in FIG. 1 is formed from a high temperature resistant
fabric covering 16. In the example in FIG. 1, this fabric covering
16 is composed of a silicate fiber material. Alternatively, the
fabric covering 16 may be formed from fiberglass woven fabric
coated with a high temperature resistant silicone. In both
examples, the fabric covering 16 is able to withstand the
temperatures desired or required to cook food within the grill 10.
It is contemplated that the fabric covering 16 may be formed from
any high temperature resistant fabric. Additionally, the fabric
covering is flexible, relatively lightweight and can cool down
quickly, which are benefits to the grill 10, as will be described
further herein.
As shown in FIG. 1, the top lid 12 includes a lid handle 14. In the
example shown in FIG. 1, the lid handle 14 is generally cylindrical
in shape, and extends over the top lid 12, allowing a hand to grasp
around the lid handle 14. It is advantageous to make the lid handle
14 from materials that provide some degree of insulation such that
a user may grasp the lid handle 14 when the grill 10 is in use
and/or shortly thereafter. It is contemplated that there may be any
number of lid handles 14 in any configuration and location that may
aid a user in operation, transportation and storage of the grill
10, as will be further described herein.
In FIG. 1, the top lid 12 also includes several ventilation holes
18 formed by holes in the fabric covering 16 surrounded by metal
grommets. In use, these ventilation holes 18 provide ventilation
through the top lid 12. The grommets may be formed from metal or
any other structural material that can withstand the operating
temperatures of the grill 10. In the example in FIG. 1, there are
three ventilation holes 18 on either side of the top lid 12.
However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments of the
cooking grill 10, the top lid 12 may consist of any number of
ventilation holes 18 or other elements located on the top lid 12 to
provide ventilation.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the top lid 12 also contains a series of
eyes 20 and hooks 22. As will be further described with reference
to FIG. 3, the eyes 20 and hooks 22 allow the front and back edges
of the top lid 12 to securely connect to each other for storage and
transportation of the various elements of the grill 10. The eyes 20
and hooks 22 may be formed from a heat resistant material such as
metal, fiberglass or carbon fiber or any other heat resistant
material capable of providing the strength and durability required
by the eyes 20 and hooks 22. In the example shown in FIG. 1, there
are three pairs of eyes 20 and hooks 22. However, it is
contemplated that in other embodiments of the cooking grill 10, the
top lid 12 may include any number of eyes 20 and hooks 22 or other
similar elements to provide releasable connection.
As further shown in FIG. 1, a lid frame 24 may be associated with
the top lid 12 to provide form and structural rigidity thereto. The
lid frame 24 may be sewn into the top lid 12, may be attached using
fabric ties, may be slid into receiving channels in the top lid 12,
etc. The lid frame 24 may be made from thin sheet metal, allowing
the lid frame 24 to be rolled up for storage, while still providing
structure and rigidity to the top lid 12. Alternatively, the lid
frame 24 may be made from any material that will provide the
requisite structure and rigidity while being heat resistant at the
temperatures required for operation of the grill 10. In the example
shown in FIG. 1, the lid frame 24 is spring-loaded enabling the lid
frame 24 to spring back into place after being folded away. As
further shown, the lid frame 24 includes a pair of rigid cross bars
26 connecting the left and right sides of the spring-loaded,
foldable lid frame 24. However, it is understood that the example
shown in FIG. 1 is merely one of numerous examples of lid frames 24
that may be adapted for use with a portable collapsible grill
10.
As further shown in FIG. 1, the cooking grill 10 includes a grate
28. The grate 28 supports the food above the heat source. In the
example shown in FIG. 1, the grate 28 may be capable of being
folded or rolled together for easy storage as the edges may be made
from a heat-resistant fabric (such as the fabric used for the
fabric covering 16). The spanning bars may be formed from aluminum
or any fire resistant, non-toxic material. Alternatively, the grate
28 may be formed entirely from non-foldable metal, but include
several hinges, enabling the grate 28 to fold up into a smaller
structure. It is contemplated that the grate 28 can include any
number or hinges or flexible parts allowing it to become more
compact and that the grate 28 may be formed by any material that is
appropriately heat-resistant, can be easily cleaned, and that is
appropriate for direct contact with food.
As further shown in FIG. 1, the cooking grill 10 includes a
suspended charcoal basket 30. The charcoal basket 30 may be a metal
mesh or netting that will support the charcoal when preparing food.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the charcoal basket 30 is made up
of a series of metal coils or mesh, thus allowing ash to fall
through the charcoal basket 30. The charcoal basket 30 may be made
from a material that is lightweight so as not to substantially add
to the weight of the cooking grill 10. Also, the charcoal basket 30
may be easy to or fold or roll, thus making it very portable. It is
contemplated that in other embodiments of the portable grill 10,
the charcoal basket 30 may formed from other materials, as long as
the charcoal basket 30 can be heat resistant, permeable,
lightweight and portable.
As shown in FIG. 1, basket hooks 32 are provided at each corner of
the charcoal basket 30. These basket hooks 32 allow the charcoal
basket 30 to be suspended from the frame 36 of the grill 10 such
that the charcoal basket 30 may be located underneath the grate 28.
The basket hooks 32 shown in FIG. 1 are formed from a metal.
However, it is contemplated that the basket hooks 32 may be formed
from any structural material that can withstand the temperatures
and stresses in use in the grill 10.
As further shown in FIG. 1, the cooking grill 10 contains a body 34
that is similar in composition and shape to the top lid 12. The
body 34 also is constructed of the high-temperature fabric covering
16, and includes a series of ventilation holes 18. The body 34
coordinates with the top lid 12 to encapsulate the grate 28 and
charcoal basket 30. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the fabric
covering 16 may be coated with a non-stick and easy to clean
coating, such as, for example, Teflon or silicon rubber. However,
it is contemplated that the coating may be formed by any other
material that is resistant to high temperatures, non-toxic,
non-stick, and easy to clean. Additionally, the fabric covering 16
would have such properties making it impermeable to smoke. Such a
non-stick coating may be applied to the entire fabric covering 16
on the top lid 12 and the body 34. However, in other embodiments it
is contemplated that only portions of the fabric coating 16 may be
coated with a non-stick material or that none of the fabric coating
16 may include a non-stick coating.
As further shown in FIG. 1, the cooking grill 10 includes a frame
36 capable of supporting the assembled cooking grill 10. In the
example in FIG. 1, the segments on the frame 36 are jointed, or
hinged, so as to allow them to fold when desired. Accordingly, the
frame 36 is collapsible and may be folded up along with the body 34
and the charcoal basket 30, as shown in FIG. 3. The frame 36 maybe
formed from a heat resistant material such as metal, fiberglass or
carbon fiber. However, it is contemplated that the frame 36 may be
formed by any heat-resistant material that is sturdy and can
support the cooking grill 10.
As further shown in FIG. 1, at each top corner of the frame 36, is
a frame attachment mechanism 38. These frame attachment mechanisms
38 may first connect to the body 34 and then may be secured the
charcoal basket 30. The frame attachment mechanisms 38 allow the
charcoal basket 30 to be removed easily so that the body 34 can be
cleaned after cooking. The frame attachment mechanisms 38 may be
adapted to further connect to the grate 28. The frame attachment
mechanisms 38 are formed from a heat resistant material such as
metal, fiberglass or carbon fiber. However, it is contemplated that
the frame attachment mechanisms 38 may be formed by any heat
resistant structural material. In the example shown in FIG. 1,
there are eight frame attachment mechanisms 38 which may be used to
secure the various elements of the cooking grill 10 to either side
of the reversible frame 36. However, it is contemplated that in
other embodiments there may be any number of frame attachment
mechanisms 38 and they may or may not be located on both sides of
the frame 36.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the cooking grill 10 does not
include a hole in the bottom of the body 34. However, it is
contemplated that in alternative embodiments, there may be a hole
in the bottom of the body 34, thus allowing ash from the charcoal
to fall through the body 34 into a receptacle. In an alternative
embodiment, it is contemplated that a tray may hang from the
charcoal basket 30 and descends through the hole in the body 34 to
catch the ashes.
The example shown in FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the
cooking grill 10 showing all of the components in unassembled form.
Turning now to FIG. 2, all the elements described in FIG. 1 combine
to show the assembled cooking grill 10. The example in FIG. 2
demonstrates how the top lid 12 rests on the body 34 when the
cooking grill 10 is closed. The fabric covering 16 covers the
entire top lid 12 and the body 34. The body 34 sits inside of the
frame 36, and stabilizes the cooking grill 10. The attachment
mechanisms 38 are attached to the bottom and top of the structures
of the frame 34, thus securing the cooking grill 10. In the example
shown in FIG. 2, the cooking grill 10 is cylindrical in shape.
However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the overall
shape of the cooking grill 10 may be configured into other shapes
or forms.
Turning now to FIG. 3, the illustrated example shows how in certain
embodiments, the other elements of the grill 10 may be stored
and/or transported within the top lid 12, which collapses to
surround the remaining elements. As shown in FIG. 3, the body 34
folds up into the frame 36, making the body 34 and frame 36 much
smaller than its expanded form. The body 34 and frame 36 may be
placed into the top lid 12. Once the body 34 and frame 36 are
inside the top lid 12, the ends will be closed together. Once the
ends of the top lid 12 are closed together, the eyes 20 may be
connected to the hooks 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the hooks 22 will
hook into the eyes 20 thus securing the connection and enabling the
folded top lid 12 and the various elements held within to be
carried using the lid handle 14. In the example shown in FIG. 3,
the clasps 22 have a flap that is inserted into the eyes 20. As
shown in the bottom portion of FIG. 3, the end product of folding
up the grill 10 is much small than its original form, thus making
it easy to transport. Moreover, with appropriate material
selection, the various elements of the grill 10 may cool relatively
quickly after use and may be stored and transported much sooner
than traditional grills. Of course, in other embodiments, the lid
12 and frame 36 may be stored within the body 34 or other
arrangements may be provided wherein elements of the grill 10 may
be stored and/or transported within another element.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the cooking grill 10 uses charcoal
as a fuel source. However, it is contemplated that in alternative
embodiments, there may be a propane source to create heat. Turning
to FIG. 4, the cooking grill 10 is adapted for use with a portable
propane fuel supply. In this example, there is a flexible high
temperature tube 40 that may be provided for attachment to the fuel
source. In the example in FIG. 4, the high temperature flexible
tube 40 may be made out of silicone. However, it is contemplated
that the tube 40 may be made out of any other material that can
withstand repeated exposure to high temperatures.
Also, in FIG. 4, the tube 40 has a series of nipples 42 that expel
gas to be ignited from the tube 40. In the example in FIG. 4, the
nipples 42 may be composed of metal. However, it is contemplated
that in other embodiments the metal nipples 42 may be composed of
any material that will protect the tube 40 from the high
temperatures and avoid direct contact with the flame. Also, in FIG.
4, there are six nipples 42 on each side of the tube 40. However,
it is contemplated that in other embodiments of the cooking grill
10, the tube may consist of any number of nipples 42 or other
elements adapted to protect the tube 40 from the high temperature
environment.
In addition, a high temperature silicate fiber, fiberglass, or
woven metal wire sleeve may be used to provide additional
protection to the tube 40. However, it is contemplated that in
alternative embodiments, there may not be a protective sleeve, or
there may be a variation that would be designed to be able to
withstand repeated exposure to high temperature environments. As
further shown in the example in FIG. 4, the tube 40 may hang from
each corner of the body 34 by a chain. However, it is contemplated
that the tube 40 may be secured by other means. As further shown in
FIG. 4, the tube 40 will connect to a portable propane tank outside
of the cooking grill 10.
It is contemplated that when configured for use with gas fuel, the
cooking grill 10 may include a flexible burner shield (not shown)
may be located between the burners (e.g., nipples 42) and the grate
28 in order to protect the burners from dripping grease or other
debris. The flexible burner shield may be formed from a network of
interconnected metal disks (e.g., scale mail) or other flexible
shields that are can withstand high temperatures and are capable of
catching excess grease.
While not shown in the Figs., it is contemplated that the top lid
12 and body 34 may be connected via one or more hinges, providing a
secure connection through which the position of the top lid 12 with
respect to the body 34 may be adjusted by the user. The hinges may
be spring loaded enabling the lid to spring open when desired. It
is contemplated that the hinges may be two pieces, releasable from
each other, with a piece connected to the body 34 and a cooperating
piece connected to the top lid 12, which may quickly and easily be
disassembled for storage and transportation and may be quickly and
easily assembled for use.
In still other embodiments the grill 10 may be different shapes and
may employ different methods of collapsing. One example is
illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a high
temperature FDA approved silicone may be used either alone or in
conjunction with a high temperature fabric as a material for the
lid 12 and body 34 of the grill 10. In this embodiment the grill 10
may be compacted by flattening the lid 12 and body 34.
As shown in FIG. 6, the silicone material folds in on itself in a
telescoping fashion. In this embodiment, a folding cooking grate 28
is unnecessary and a more typical flat cooking grate 45 can be
used, while still enabling the collapsed grill 10 to be
substantially more compact than the fully assembled and operable
configuration. As shown, a flat grate 45 may sit in the same
location in both the collapsed and uncollapsed positions. A
collapsible chain link wire basket 44 may be substituted for the
chain mail coal basket 30 since in this version the basket need
only be able to flatten out in order to be compacted.
In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the ventilation holes 18 are
envisioned in a different orientation with a rotating metal plate
provided to control how much smoke is able to escape the grill 10
thereby controlling how hot the fire may be. An ash catcher 43 is
shown at the bottom of the grill 10 that can be opened or closed
and allows air to feed the fire. The ash catcher 43 may further
serve as a grease pan in a gas version of the grill 10.
An alternate version of the frame 36 is provided in the example
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown, a metal or heat resistant rigid
material forming a ring 46 is placed at the top of the body 34.
Foldable legs 47 are then added to this ring 46 in order to prop
the grill 10 off of the ground. Four holes 48 are punched into the
structural ring 46 forming two axis about which the legs 47 may
rotate. A structural cross bar 49 attaches two legs 47 together,
allowing them to rotate in a pair. There is a lip 50 at the tangent
point where the crossbar 49 meets the structural ring 46 when
unfolded. This lip 50 allows the legs 47 to lock into the open
position and stay there throughout the duration of the grill's 10
use. When appropriate pressure is applied, the legs 47 snap out of
their open position and are able to be folded flat beneath the
grill 10. Of course, it is understood that other methods of
supporting the grill 10 may be implemented, as well as other shapes
and methods of compacting the grill 10 itself.
It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the
presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent
to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.
* * * * *